HOW TO BECOME A SURROGATE

Use: Doxycycline is a pre-cycle antibiotic that prevents any possible low-grade pelvic infection and prevent the body from rejecting the embryo when it is implanted.

Side Effects: None, but varies per individual.

Administration: Oral tablet.

When: administered before and after the embryo transfer.

Use: Lupron prevents the surrogate’s natural cycle and usual hormone exchange that causes follicle production and ovulation by suppressing the pituitary stimulation to the ovaries.

Side effects: Headache, fatigue, hot flashes.

Administration: Lupron is an injection given subcutaneously (in the fatty tissue) by a ½ inch needle under the skin.

When: administered prior to the embryo transfer.

Use: Aspirin assists with cycle stimulation and impending embryonic implantation. This medication will continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Side effects: Upset stomach, heartburn, easy bruising or bleeding.

Administration: Oral tablet.

When: During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Use: Estrogen is a hormone that helps grow the lining of the uterus which maintains an early pregnancy.

Side effects: Skin redness, irritation or rash, nausea, fluid retention.

Administration: The patch is applied to the skin on the abdomen and the estrogen is absorbed through the skin.

When: Prior to the embryo transfer and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Use: Estrogen is the hormone necessary for the preparation and thickening of the uterine lining for the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of early pregnancy.

Side effects: Bloating, mild nausea, or breast tenderness.

Administration: Oral tablet or vaginal suppository.

When: Prior to the embryo transfer and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Use: Progesterone is the hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation necessary for the preparation of the uterine lining for the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of early pregnancy.

Side effects: Breast tenderness, injection site tenderness, vaginal discharge and dizziness.

Administration: Intramuscular injection (into the muscle) or in the form of vaginal suppository.

When: Days prior to the embryo transfer and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Use: Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic taken orally starting a few days before transfer to help prevent infection from occurring.

Side effects: Minor gastrointestinal upset, sensitivity to sun.

Administration: Oral tablet.

When: Few days prior to the embryo transfer.

Use: Medrol is a low-dose steroid pill to suppress the autoimmune system from interfering with embryo implantation to decrease the risk of embryo rejection.

Side effects: None.

Administration: Oral tablet.

When: Beginning the day of retrieval and ending the day of embryo transfer.

Prenatal vitamins: often taken before the transfer and throughout the entire pregnancy to ensure the surrogate and baby are getting the proper nutrients.

By taking these and other prescribed medications and following all instructions provided by your doctor, you can help prepare your body for a successful surrogate pregnancy.

Often taken before the transfer and throughout the entire pregnancy to ensure the surrogate and baby are getting the proper nutrients.